标签： Antigua and Barbuda

In a heartfelt appeal during the National Independence Service at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Creekside, Prime Minister Gaston Browne urged congregations across Antigua and Barbuda to pray for Jamaica and the 45 Antiguan and Barbudan students currently in Kingston as Hurricane Melissa wreaks havoc on the island. The students, relocated to the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel under government arrangements, are receiving full support, including accommodation and meals, until the storm subsides. Speaking from Dominica, Browne expressed gratitude to those involved in the relocation efforts and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of the students. He emphasized that all necessary resources would be mobilized to protect the young nationals. The Prime Minister, who is closely monitoring the situation, is scheduled to return to Antigua on Monday.

The nation of Antigua and Barbuda is in mourning following the passing of revered Rastafarian elder and cultural figure, King Saggi-Fu, also known as Osagifu. Prime Minister Gaston Browne led the tributes, expressing profound sorrow over the loss of a man he described as “one of the senior figures in the Rastafarian community.” Browne shared heartfelt memories of their shared origins in Gray’s Farm and recounted his recent visit to Saggi-Fu at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where he had been airlifted for treatment. Despite hopes for his recovery, Saggi-Fu’s passing has left a void in the community. During his visit, Browne played his latest musical compositions, including “Gassy Dread” and “Love Is the Way,” which brought joy to the elder in his final days. Browne emphasized Saggi-Fu’s unwavering conviction and cultural impact, urging the nation to find solace in the fact that he lived a meaningful and influential life. Education Minister Daryll Matthew also paid homage, sharing personal anecdotes of Saggi-Fu’s fearless and loyal nature. Matthew’s tribute concluded with a heartfelt farewell: “Rest well. It is well deserved. JAHHHHH RASTAFARI!” The loss of King Saggi-Fu marks the end of an era for the Rastafarian community and Antigua’s cultural landscape.

The nation of Antigua and Barbuda is in mourning following the passing of Glasford ‘King Saggi-Fu’ Mack, a revered Rastafarian elder whose influence resonated deeply within the community. Known affectionately as ‘Brother Mack’ or ‘Osagifu,’ his legacy is being celebrated by many, including Education Minister Daryll S. Matthew, who shared a heartfelt tribute to his lifelong friend.

Minister Matthew reflected on their decades-long bond, recalling cherished memories from his childhood to adulthood. ‘I struggle to find the words to express the depth of our friendship and the sorrow I feel,’ Matthew wrote. He reminisced about playing with Mack’s children, exploring his farm, and sharing meals together, describing Mack as a man of unwavering drive, fearlessness, and loyalty.

Matthew also highlighted Mack’s intellectual and spiritual contributions, noting his ability to engage in insightful, often provocative discussions. ‘You always had something meaningful to share, even if it challenged the status quo. I will miss you deeply, King Saggi-Fu. Rest well. Your legacy is well-deserved. JAH RASTAFARI!’

King Saggi-Fu was widely respected within the Rastafarian community for his steadfast principles, wisdom, and dedication to the movement’s spiritual and cultural foundations. Tributes continue to pour in from individuals who knew him as a mentor, friend, and guiding force whose impact transcended generations.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has extended his heartfelt gratitude to all parties involved in ensuring the safety of 45 Antiguan and Barbudan students during the recent onslaught of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. The students were relocated to the Hotel Pegasus in New Kingston, a move facilitated by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, where they will remain until October 27, 2025, or until the storm subsides. Prime Minister Browne has called upon churches and congregations across Antigua and Barbuda to seek divine blessings for Jamaica and to pray for the protection of their citizens and other international students in the region. Reports confirm that the students are safely accommodated in the multi-storied hotel and are deeply appreciative of the swift actions taken by the Gaston Browne administration. The Prime Minister has also pledged additional support if the students face displacement post-storm. Despite his unavoidable absence from the state, Prime Minister Browne remains actively informed about the situation in Jamaica and is set to return to Antigua on Monday.

As Hurricane Melissa intensifies and approaches Jamaica, over 40 Antiguan and Barbudan students pursuing their education in the country have been relocated to the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel for safety. This proactive measure, orchestrated by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda in collaboration with the Antigua and Barbuda Students’ Association (ABSA), aims to protect students from the impending storm. The initiative includes two nights of accommodation and meals at the Kingston-based hotel, contingent upon students presenting valid Antiguan passports and university identification. Rohan Telemaque, ABSA Public Relations Officer, emphasized the importance of centralizing students in a secure location to enhance safety and streamline emergency responses. ‘Having everyone in one place ensures that if an evacuation is necessary, we can act swiftly and collectively,’ Telemaque stated. The Antiguan government is maintaining close communication with student leaders to monitor the hurricane’s progression and provide further support if needed. Officials reaffirmed their dedication to safeguarding nationals studying abroad, particularly during crises. Meanwhile, Jamaican authorities have issued warnings for residents and visitors to remain alert as Hurricane Melissa, recently upgraded from a tropical storm, is predicted to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential flooding to the island in the coming days.